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With 31 states, Mexico is the home of more than 100 million residents. The US Department of State reports that Mexico has a rapidly developing economy and welcomes more than 13 million tourists a year. Similar to most countries, tourists entering Mexico are required to present a valid passport, passport card, or other authorized document to confirm their citizenship and identity. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative provides US travelers with additional documentation options that are otherwise unavailable to travelers who are entering Mexico by sea.

US Passport

The US passport is a travel document that allows citizens to travel across the globe. The passport allows you to cross into Mexico from US soil as well as from other countries. The US Department of State recommends that your passport be valid for at least six months after your expected return to provide a cushion in case your return travel plans are delayed.

US Passport Card

The US passport card was introduced with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of 2009. The initiative requires that all US travelers provide proof of identity and citizenship when crossing onto US soil. This limited-use travel document costs slightly less than the standard-issue passport and can be used only when traveling by land or sea. You can use a passport card to enter Mexico only when you are entering from US soil.

Minors

Along with a passport or passport card, travelers under the age of 18 are required to provide a birth certificate along with parental authorization to enter Mexico. If your minor is not accompanied by you or a legal guardian at the time of entry, he must present a notarized and original written document that provides parental authorization, or guardian-issued authorization, to travel throughout Mexico. The US Department of State explains that the authorization should consist of the minor&amp;rsquo;s traveling dates, anticipated means of travel, destinations and the reason for entry into Mexico.

Tourist Documents

If your Mexican stay will be less than 72 hours and your travels will take you no farther than 18 miles into Mexico, you will not require additional documentation, such as a visa or tourist card. If it will be longer than 72 hours, or if you intend on traveling more than 18 miles into Mexican territory, you are required to obtain a tourist card. This tourist card, or FM-T, can be obtained at the Mexican border crossing points and tourist offices, and are often included in the cost of airline tickets. You must carry this card, along with your passport or passport card, at all times.

Business Documents

If you intend to conduct business in Mexico, you are required to obtain a business card, or Form FM-N, which allows you to conduct business for up to 30 days. However, Form FM-N does not permit you to obtain Mexican employment. If you intend to stay in Mexico for more than 180, you are required to obtain a visa. This visa requirement applies to tourist and business stays alike.